My Teeth Look Pretty White To Me. How Often Should I Whiten Them?

If you are like most people, you want your teeth to look white, clean, and healthy. Although it can be quite a bit of work to maintain white teeth, the effort is certainly worth the reward of having a beautiful white smile. When you look in the mirror, your teeth may look white to you, but how white are they really? Before you rush out to get your teeth whitened, there are 4 things you should consider:

1. Consult a dentist: Yes, going to the dentist can be a drag. But before you spend time and money on making a beautiful smile, visiting a Charlotte NC cosmetic dentist is vital. It is so important to check the health of your teeth and gums before applying a teeth whitening treatment.

2. Create a whitening plan: Not all teeth whitening plans fit all mouths. Based on your current level of whiteness, how much damage has been done to your teeth, the health of your gums, the dentist can help you determine how frequently you need to whiten your teeth. For those who choose professional cleaning options, once a year is the average number of visits needed to maintain white teeth.

3. Maintenance: Once you have your teeth professionally whitened, you need to maintain your teeth well. This includes regular brushing two to three times per day, flossing, and using mouthwash. You may be tempted to buy teeth whitening strips and mouthwashes between dental visits, but you should be cautious. Overuse of over-the-counter remedies can cause irreversible damage. Ask your dentist which products he recommends, and how often you can safely use them between visits.

Sure, you could rely on family and friends to let you know when your teeth are getting dingy, but nobody knows better than your local Charlotte NC cosmetic dentist. If you are questioning the whiteness of your teeth, it is time to make an appointment and get a professional opinion. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for cosmetic dentistry and let our dental staff guide you towards a healthy white smile.